Alcohol-free gin cannot be called gin, rules EU court
The European Court of Justice has ruled that alcohol-free gin cannot include the word gin in the name. Judges have concluded that the name gin is “reserved for a specific…
McGrath to launch European Democracy Shield
Michael McGrath is expected to announce the launch of a European Centre for Democratic Resilience later today as the centrepiece of his efforts to protect European democracy from disinformation and…
McGrath to raise product safety concerns during China visit
Michael McGrath has promised to raise concerns about product safety – including children’s toys and electronics – during a trip to China this week. Ireland’s European Commissioner has a responsibility…
New rules on social media data access
Researchers have been granted what the EU is calling “unprecedented access” to social networks under new rules that come into force from today. “This act will grant access to non-public…
EU pressures Spain to drop Ryanair hand luggage fine
The European Commission has threatened to take Spain to the European Court of Justice over its hand luggage ruling. Last year, Spain’s Ministry for Consumer Affairs sanctioned five budget airlines:…
EU makes consumer rights label obligatory
All shops and online marketplaces will have to display a poster setting out consumer rights under a European law that comes into force next year. The law is designed to…
Ireland’s hazardous waste management ‘vulnerable’
Ireland is at severe risk of failing to deliver on its ability to deal with hazardous waste, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has warned. Although the amount of hazardous waste…
Potential homebuyers lacking key info, says CCPC
Ireland’s consumer watchdog has urged a change in rules to make the homebuying process more transparent. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) says people face “significant information gaps” when…
Hundreds of potentially dangerous baby products removed from online marketplaces
Ireland’s consumer watchdog has ordered Amazon, Etsy, Shein and other online sites to remove dozens of baby products from their platforms over safety fears. Together with regulators across the European…
Guinness back in top ten as boss resigns
Guinness has re-entered the top ten beer brands in the world after an absence of seven years, according to Brand Finance which monitors the drinks market. The Guinness brand is…